Hi,



I started a little like yourself, but had the AD&D books from my playing days.



I picked up the early low level D&D mods, B1, U1-3, N1, T1 (but since sold them) etc and generally them and the red rules boxset are readily available and cheap


** expired/removed eBay auction **




and look at the Expert, Master, Companion sets.



White box, I'd think would be anything from £50-£100 depending on condition.



I'd recommend spending a week looking at the mods lists on the pages here, see what is rare, what is common, take a look on ebay, rpgmarketplace or the classifieds here and see what you can pick up. You'll find there is a lot of info around.



You'll probably be surprised that you won't need to get copies that are too damaged just for a cheap price..



Good luck  

As stated above, second edition and first edition modules are a great place to start and Judges Guild is also something to consider.
Many of them can be purchased really cheap and in lots with several of them, likely very inexpensive.
In addition to the TSR Lists, Check the JG Sub-Web for ideas there.
Many of those items are very useful for playing purposes.

Just keep your eyes peeled for good deals.

If you have any extra Call of Cthulhu items, then you likely have a nice source for funding the start of your new area of collecting.
I am sure you know that Cthulhu items are at times insanely expensive.

Good luck.

azkiel wrote:Hi,

I've been lurking this forum for a few weeks now, and I wondering if anybody can suggest a list of essential modules/books I should acquire to start a collection. I'm a bit too young (31 but learned english at 10) to have played D&D and AD&D 1st ed. but I'm really interested in "old school" (A)D&D.

I already have a sizable Call of Cthulhu collection but I would like to diversify.

At this point I'm not really interested in the grades, I can live with heavily used book, although I have trouble with writing/highlighting and removed inserts.

I'm also wondering how much should I pay for a white box set? I see a few on ebay as BIN but they seem expensive. Which version should I aim for?

Thanks for your help!

I agree with the other feedbacks.
When I started, I identified which areas interested me most (World of Greyhawk & Forgotten Realms) and decided I'd collect the modules first. Since then, having done that, I've gone into 3rd edition modules and hardcover books.
In other words, my passion for the world-building of the early WG & FR guided me, and I chose one type of item (modules).
The fact is that there was too much to collect all at once, and I wanted to specialize in one area. Later, I branched into other ones.
What interests you most about the early stuff?
Hope this helps.
Good luck!

Thanks all for your answers!

I think at this point I might settle for the classic modules (the A, B, C, D, I, T series) and I will try to get my hand on a OD&D white box set.

From there I'll see if I want to complete the OD&D rule books collection and/or continue with D&D/AD&D. I'm planning however to stick with Gygax "era" items (probably with some exception of course).

I'll check the JG modules, as I'm not familiar at all with them.

As for my CoC collection, I sadly don't have anything extra, they were all traded for missing CoC books.

Thanks all for your advices. Don't hesitate if you have any other recommendations!

Good list. Multi-classing with "Player" is permitted, too. ^^

I'd suggest deciding what niche of the niche of the niche you are interested in. Some people like to get crazy and collect everything from author X, others find themselves drawn to game system Y... and even more strangely are the people who want a little of everything. If you've got a budget, it's damn near critical to know what you're after and what you're willing to blow to get it.

I guess I started as a Hobbyist Historian and have changed class over the years to Investor Business. So is that a diametric move from CG to LE?

I have been collecting for about 4 months, and I'm happy with the direction that things are going.



I guess I collect for Nostalgia and because I just love looking at, and reading, these products.  I'm too "A.D.D." to ever truly be a Completist, as my attentions wander to different things - even different game systems.



Anyway, I've been looking for deals where I can get them.  By the way, definitely check out the Classified sections here and on Dragonsfoot forum.  I've found some good deals.  And keep an eye out for good deals on ebay.  



I've collected a mix of OD&D and AD&D 1e.  I wanted the following:

OD&D:

-Whitebox (w/the 3 books)

-All 5 OD&D sourcebooks (Greyhawk, Blackmoor, EW, GDGH, and SS)

-Boxed "Basic" set and "Expert" set

-All B and X modules



AD&D:

-All hardcover 1e books

-All modules from 1977-1989

-Various other items



I've made good progress in some of these categories.  For instance, I now have all 8 OD&D sourcebooks.  



One thing that hasn't been mentioned is if you're looking for certain prints.  This is very important, especially in earlier edition items.  For instance, a 1st print Blackmoor (OD&D) is a lot more valuable, all else being equal, than a 4th print.



Look for bargains.  I got two 1st print OD&D books (GDGH and SS) for a combined $31.  In very fine condition.  Just keep looking around.



I'll stop rambling.

FormCritic wrote:Everyone should have "Player" as a favored class.

Small steps, small steps...
It ain't so easy for everyone IRL, unfortunately, even if they'd rather that were so.

TheHistorian wrote:Hmm, which one am I...

Hmm... I think I can guess, unless you also play Spawn of Fashan? *ducks*